The Colorado Avalanche are in an 0-1 hole against the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference Finals and received bad news as superstar defenseman Cale Makar was ruled out for Game 2.
Makar was injured in Game 5 of the semifinals series against the Minnesota Wild when he had a major collision and was seen holding his right arm.
He initially left, then returned to help the Avs close out the series, but missed Game 1 with what the Avs have called an "upper-body injury."
Makar is a massive part of the team that won the President's Trophy, and his absence was felt in the Game 1 loss. He and Devon Toews form a terrific defensive duo, and lots of Makar's impact also comes on the power-play.
He quarterbacks the first-team power-play unit and has a great sense of when to shoot and when to pass. In the playoffs this year, he has four goals and one assist in nine games.
Tonight in Game 2, Colorado will be without Makar.
The Avs are listing him as day-to-day - he was seen doing drills and skating by himself before both games.
It will be interesting to see how the Avs handle this situation. If Colorado falls to 0-2, they may need to play Makar earlier than they may like with the season on the line.
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Golden Knights vs. Avalanche Game 2: Prediction & Best Bets
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May 22 2026